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As our nation celebrates 250 years of American independence in 2026, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is proud to continue spotlighting the Marines whose stories shape not just the history of the Marine Corps but the very fabric of American society. Through our Marines Across America campaign, we are honoring the service, leadership, and lasting contributions of Marines in all 50 states.
Today, we turn our focus to New York, a state rich with Marine Corps pride and powerful stories of post-service impact.
Gerry Byrne
Vietnam Veteran, Media Executive | New York, New York
Gerry Byrne is a Vietnam War–era Marine Corps veteran and influential media executive whose career bridges military service, publishing leadership, and veteran advocacy. While attending Fordham University, Byrne joined the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class and served on active duty from 1966–1969, including an extended combat tour in Vietnam.
After returning home, Byrne began a distinguished career in media, starting at the New York Daily News before becoming chief publisher of Variety in 1989. He later held senior leadership roles at Nielsen and, in 2009, was named vice chairman of Penske Media Corporation (PMC). For more than a decade, he has overseen global entertainment publications including Rolling Stone, Variety, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and IndieWire, while also serving on PMC’s board.
A lifelong New Yorker, Byrne has made veteran and community service central to his legacy. He founded Veterans Week NYC and Veterans on Campus NYC, supports higher education access for veterans, and has long served on boards including the Intrepid Museum, Fisher House Foundation, Bob Woodruff Foundation, and WeSalute (Veterans Advantage).
In January 2025, Byrne received the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, the Navy’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to veterans and military families. His career reflects the enduring influence of Marine Corps values in leadership, service, and civic impact.
Zach Iscol
Commissioner, NYC Emergency Management | New York, New York
Zach Iscol is a decorated Marine Corps veteran and civic leader who currently serves as Commissioner of New York City Emergency Management. A former Marine Corps captain, Iscol completed six years of active duty, deploying to Iraq where he fought in the Second Battle of Fallujah, one of the most intense urban battles of the Iraq War.
Motivated by his combat experience, Iscol founded The Headstrong Project, a nonprofit providing free, stigma-free mental health care to veterans and their families. He also launched Hirepurpose, a mission-driven platform connecting veterans with meaningful civilian employment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Iscol served as deputy director of the Javits Center field hospital, helping manage one of the largest emergency medical operations in U.S. history.
Today, Iscol brings together combat leadership, nonprofit innovation, and crisis-response experience to help New York City prepare for and respond to emergencies, embodying a continued commitment to service beyond the uniform.
Serrgant Nathan A. Haynes
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran & Entrepreneur | Las Vegas, Nevada
Submitted by: Madeleine Haynes
Sgt. Nathan A. Haynes served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves while attending college, exemplifying the tradition of the citizen-soldier. An infantry Marine, he rose to the rank of sergeant and earned two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, reflecting exceptional leadership and performance. His service instilled the discipline, precision, and urgency that continue to define his career.
In civilian life, Haynes is a highly respected corporate restructuring and bankruptcy attorney in New York City. He serves as vice chair of the Restructuring & Bankruptcy Practice at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, where he has worked on high-profile cases including Northwest Airlines, Enron, and other complex restructurings. His work has earned repeated recognition, including Best Lawyers in America (2021–2025), New York Super Lawyers Rising Star, and the M&A Advisor “40 Under 40 East” Award.
Beyond the courtroom, Haynes lives the Marine Corps ethos through rigorous physical fitness and marksmanship. A marathon runner, he is preparing for his third Marine Corps Marathon, and he is a two-time shooting champion at Tiro a Segno in New York City.
Haynes resides in Manhattan with his wife, Suzanne, and their daughter, Madeleine, balancing professional excellence with family life and continued service. He stands as a powerful example of leadership, service, and excellence—both in uniform and beyond.
Continuing the Mission in 2026
As the United States marks America’s 250th anniversary, these stories are a vivid reminder that the legacy of the Marine Corps is etched not only in history books, but in the communities where Marines live, lead, and serve every day.
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is honored to amplify these voices as part of our Marines Across America campaign—now integrated into our America250 efforts—to showcase how Marines have shaped America for 250 years.
👉 Help us continue sharing these stories and preserving the rich legacy of the Marine Corps. Your support allows us to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations.
About Marines Across America and America250
As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, Marines Across America honors the legacy of those who have served in the United States Marine Corps and the impact they’ve made—on and off the battlefield—for 250 years. This special storytelling series, part of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve Marine Corps history, highlights Marines from across the country whose service and continued contributions embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Through personal stories, career reflections, and community leadership, these Marines represent the enduring spirit of service that has shaped America since 1775. As we commemorate America250, we invite you to help us preserve this living history. Your support ensures that the stories of Marines—past, present, and future—will be shared with future generations.
